Potential Negative Side Effects Research Articles

Neurofeedback as a Treatment for ADHD: A Methodological Review with Implications for Future Research

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) represents one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood,resulting in serious impairment across a variety of domains. Research showing that a high proportion of children with ADHD exhibit a dysfunctional electroencephalogram (EEG), relative to aged-matched peers, provides a rationale for the use of neurofeedback as an intervention. The aim of neurofeedback training is to redress any EEG abnormality, resulting in a concomitant improvement in the behaviour and/or cognitive performance of these children. This review focused on studies using neurofeedback to treat children with ADHD, with particular emphasis on the methodological aspects of neurofeedback training. Specifically, the review examined the modality of feedback provided, the different training parameters and their underlying rationale, and the particular montages used. In addition, the review also focused on the duration, frequency and total number of training sessions required to obtain a positive effect in terms of a change in the individual’s EEG, behaviour and/or cognitive performance. Finally, the long-term effects of neurofeedback and the potential negative side effects were reviewed. Throughout, the review provides a number of directions for future research.

A Modified Transorbital Baboon Model of Reperfused Stroke

This chapter describes a modified transorbital baboon model of reperfused stroke. Rodent models are the most commonly used animal models of cerebral ischemia used in preclinical testing. The most commonly used model of ischemia–reperfusion injury involves insertion of a silicon-coated suture into the internal carotid artery and advancing it intracranially to occlude middle cerebral artery blood flow. A model of reperfused nonhuman primate stroke that utilized, through a transorbital approach, unilateral internal carotid artery and bilateral anterior cerebral artery occlusion is presented. The investigation of a humanized monoclonal antibody, HuEP5C7, which competitively binds E-selectin and P-selectin, critical adhesion molecules implicated in both microvascular failure and inflammation following cerebral ischemia is presented. Eighteen adult baboons were randomized to receive either HuEP5C7 or placebo immediately following a 1-h ischemic period. Histologic examination of the infarct was analyzed to determine tissue levels of P- and E-selectin. It is suggested that such models provide a testing ground for novel neuroprotective agents without putting patients at risk for potential negative side effects.

Should beta blockers be used in the treatment of hypertension in the elderly?

The lack of benefit and the potential negative side effects of beta blockers are overstated, especially in the elderly. This emphasis has led to recommendations by some investigators that these agents not be used in the management of hypertension in this age group. There are numerous reasons why these recommendations should not be followed. The use of beta blockers in the elderly hypertensive has resulted in a reduction in strokes and congestive heart failure. In addition, it should be emphasized that elderly patients are more likely to have silent coronary artery disease or sustain myocardial infarctions. There is abundant evidence that beta blockers are effective therapy in reducing mortality once a myocardial infarction has occurred. In fact, there is a clear reduction in sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, national statistics document that elderly patients have a prevalence of congestive heart failure that varies from 6%-10%. Multiple studies have now documented that beta blockers are additive to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in reducing mortality for congestive heart failure. Thus, elderly hypertensive patients may benefit from the use of beta blockers, especially if there is evidence of ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or congestive heart failure.

Towards successful physical stress reducing products: an evaluation of seven cases

Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling at work are assumed to be related to increased risks of musculoskeletal injury, mainly in the low back and shoulder region. The implementation of products to reduce the physical load in heavy work is a well-known strategy to attack this problem. The success of these products depends not only on the product itself, but also on the process of product development and implementation. In this paper, seven cases are described where products have been developed to reduce the physical load on scaffolders, bricklayers, bricklayer's assistants, roofworkers, aircraft loaders, glaziers and assembly line workers. These products are described with special reference to the physical load problem in the occupational task, the process of product development, the nature of the product, the potential effects on physical load and the opinion of workers. From these cases, a list of key factors in product development contributing to the success of a product is composed. These concern among others a direct participation of workers, a wide analysis of risks, an analysis of potential negative side effects, and a systematic stepwise approach.

The goshgarian transpalatal bar: A clinicaland an experimental investigation

The Goshgarian transpalatal bar is a fixed appliance that can be used inthe treatment of Class II malocclusions. This study examines the effects of the appliance on the maxillary molars and determines the force-activation characteristics of the appliance with a laboratory model. The pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric films and dental cast records of 11 patients with Class II malocclusions are evaluated. Results show that Class II correction is achieved as a result of distobuccal rotation and distal tipping of the activated molar. A potential negative side effect on the nonactivated molar is a slight mesial movement. Both intermolar and interbicuspid widths were substantially increased with buccal root torquing. Intrusion and extrusion of the molars did not occur. The distal and transverse forces generated by the Goshgarian palatal bar were linear, however, when distal activation exceeded 35°, the appliance became plastic. Transverse forces were twice as great as with a quad helix and distal forces were one fourth to one eighth of those generated with a headgear.

Effect of treatment for 6 months with human parathyroid hormone (1-34) peptide in ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis)

A potential negative side effect of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy to treat osteoporosis is the loss of cortical bone concomitant with increased cancellous bone mass. We addressed this issue by studying the effects of PTH on whole-body, axial, and appendicular bone mass in an animal model with haversian cortical bone remodeling. Ovariectomized, young adult female cynomolgus monkeys were assigned to placebo (n = 9) or PTH groups (n = 10). The PTH group received 10 μg/kg synthetic human PTH(1-34) peptide by subcutaneous injection, 3 days/week for 6 months, and the placebo group received vehicle. Multiple endpoints of bone mass, strength, and turnover in the axial and appendicular skeleton were assessed, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), quantitative computed tomography (qCT), analysis of serum (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) and urinary (calcium and creatinine) biomarkers, histomorphometry, and biomechanical testing. Compared with placebo-treated animals, PTH-treated monkeys had no change in whole-body bone mass, but a 6.7% increase in spinal areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was observed. Cortical bone mass measured by qCT at appendicular sites was not affected by PTH treatment, but there were significant increases in cancellous bone mass in the proximal tibia, and a similar trend in the distal radius. Small, transient increases in serum and urinary calcium were observed, but there were no treatment-related effects on other biochemical endpoints. Increased bone formation rate (BFR/BV) in the midradius and midfemur was accompanied by a nonsignificant increase in midfemur porosity. Increased vertebral cancellous bone volume (BV/TV) was associated with greater trabecular and interstitial thickness with no effect on wall thickness. Increases in bone strength were observed in both axial (vertebral maximum stress and load at fracture) and appendicular (femoral neck fracture load) skeleton. Together, these results indicate that PTH therapy in the cynomolgus monkey results in a net gain of spinal and appendicular cancellous bone mass with no adverse effect on cortical bone.

Physical and psychological morbidity after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer.

Alternatives to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are being developed amid controversy surrounding the therapeutic benefit and overall utility of this routine surgical procedure. Although potential negative side effects associated with ALND are known, we set out to examine whether these side effects contribute significantly to patient reports of quality of life and mental health. We surveyed 222 women who had received an ALND as part of breast cancer surgery. All women underwent a physical therapy assessment of range of arm/shoulder motion and completed the Modified Post-operative Pain Questionnaire, the Pain Disability Index, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (short form), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Mental Health Inventory. Seventy-two percent of the women experienced arm/shoulder pain, weakness, or numbness in the week before the interview, and range of motion of the affected arm/shoulder was impaired in 73% of the women. Severity of pain was reported to be low to moderate, and younger patients experienced greater pain than older patients. Pain severity correlated positively with the number of lymph nodes removed and receipt of chemotherapy and was not significantly related to length of time since surgery or receipt of radiation therapy. Generally high levels of cancer-specific quality of life and mental health were reported. Quality of life was significantly predicted by the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and mental health was significantly predicted by the Pain Disability Index and the physical therapy assessment. Surgery-related symptoms after ALND persist for a majority of women with breast cancer and are not significantly related to time since surgery or receipt of radiation therapy. These symptoms and associated disability are significantly predictive of cancer-specific quality of life and mental health.

Treatment of Pediatric Obesity

The primary goal of childhood obesity interventions is regulation of body weight and fat with adequate nutrition for growth and development. Ideally, these interventions are associated with positive changes in the physiologic and psychological sequelae of obesity. To contribute to long-term weight maintenance, interventions should modify eating and exercise behaviors such that new, healthier behaviors develop and replace unhealthy behaviors, thereby allowing healthier behaviors to persist throughout development and into adulthood. This overview of pediatric obesity treatment, using predominantly randomized, controlled studies, highlights important contributions and developments in primarily dietary, activity, and behavior change interventions, and identifies characteristics of successful treatment and maintenance interventions. Potential positive (eg, reduction in blood pressure, serum lipids, and insulin resistance) and negative (eg, development of disordered eating patterns) side effects of treatment also are described. Recommendations for improving implementation of childhood obesity treatments, including application of behavioral choice theory, improving knowledge of response extinction and recovery in regards to behavior relapse, individualization of treatment, and integration of basic science with clinical outcome research, are discussed.

Itinerarios del cambio técnico. El Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias como un estudio de caso

Although science policies have for long been the subject of academic concern, there are many issues that still bewilder scholars of science and technology. This paper takes the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) to probe into these issues. We have analyzed the innovation and development of two scientific instruments as a point-of-entry into the complexity of astrophysical research. This analysis has provided us with evidence: (a) to start mapping out the forces behind the technological trajectories that go from big science to instrument development; (b) to enquire into the appropriateness and potential negative side effects of the recent pressures made on public institutions to patent the results of their research. We end up underlining some policy issues brought out by our field work and with an agenda for further research.

Protecting Computer Systems Against Power Transients

The sources of electrical transients, broadly interpreted as occurrences of any disturbance, either on the power line or the computer system's data line, are reviewed. Common transients are overvoltages due to lightning strikes, transients caused by switching sequences in the power system, and undervoltages which could be caused by a nearby start-up of heavy loads or by distant faults. The impact of transients on small stand-alone and on distributed computer systems is examined. Growing concern among computer users that power-line surges, in particular, may damage equipment or cause loss of data has created a market for surge suppressors. Some guidelines are provided for choosing a protective device for both types of systems mentioned above. Potential negative side effects are indicated. >

Protecting computer systems against power transients

The sources of electrical transients, broadly interpreted as occurrences of any disturbance, either on the power line or the computer system's data line, are reviewed. Common transients are overvoltages due to lightning strikes, transients caused by switching sequences in the power system, and undervoltages which could be caused by a nearby start-up of heavy loads or by distant faults. The impact of transients on small stand-alone and on distributed computer systems is examined. Growing concern among computer users that power-line surges, in particular, may damage equipment or cause loss of data has created a market for surge suppressors. Some guidelines are provided for choosing a protective device for both types of systems mentioned above. Potential negative side effects are indicated